Overview:
Palau’s locally produced taro flour is gaining recognition beyond its shores, making its international debut at Beauty World Japan 2026 before returning home to showcase its versatility at the Palau Development Symposium. The product’s growing profile highlights new opportunities for local farmers, food innovation, and value-added agricultural development in Palau.
Palau’s locally produced taro flour recently took center stage on both the international and national stage, making its debut at Beauty World Japan 2026 on May 18th to 20th and then at the Palau Development Symposium on May 28th. The appearances highlighted Palau’s potential in value-added agricultural products and showcased a traditional staple crop.
The journey began at Beauty World Japan 2026, one of Asia’s leading trade exhibitions for beauty, wellness, and lifestyle products. Held in Tokyo, the event brought together exhibitors, buyers, and industry professionals from around the world, providing a platform for innovative products to reach international audiences.
Participating through the Pacific Islands Pavilion, Palau showcased its taro flour alongside products from neighboring Pacific Island nations, introducing the product to new markets and highlighting the potential of Palauan agriculture internationally.
Representing the Food Processing Center at Beauty World Japan 2026 was Business Adviser Ltelatk H. Fritz, who viewed the event as an important opportunity to introduce 100% Palau Taro Flour to an international audience.
“As the business adviser and in charge of the operations at Food Processing Center, I am delighted about this opportunity to showcase 100% Palau Taro Flour to businesses in Japan, even if it is just the health and beauty industry,” Fritz said. “It is an opportunity to learn about the other people and products from the Pacific Islands and hear feedback from Japanese businesspeople.”
Following its international debut in Tokyo, Palau Taro Flour was featured during the week of the Palau Development Symposium on May 28, engaging with the event attendees.
To showcase its versatility, the Food Processing Center prepared a variety of food samples for visitors. Freshly made waffles were served throughout the event, cookies and puddings were also available for tasting.
The showcase successfully drew a large crowd; visitors had a chance to see how taro flour can be used as an ingredient for cooking and they were able to learn more about the use of taro flour.
The appearances of 100% Palau Taro Flour at both Beauty World Japan 2026 and the Palau Development Symposium reflect the goals of the ADB-PAL COVID-19 Response for Affected Poor and Vulnerable Groups project, which aims to strengthen food security, support local farmers, and expand economic opportunities through value-added agricultural development. The work of the Food Processing Center has been a key deliverable under Output 2 of the project, helping provide small agricultural producers with access to markets by purchasing locally grown taro and transforming it into value-added products such as Palau Taro Flour and taro pudding. In doing so, the Center creates additional opportunities for local farmers while increasing the value of agricultural products grown in Palau.
(Business Adviser Ltelatk H. Fritz representing Palau during Beauty World 2026 in Tokyo, Japan)
(The Food Processing Center showcasing Palau Taro Flour during the Palau Development Symposium)
